Which Mechanical Keyboards are Not Made in China? Discover Top Alternatives
In the world of mechanical keyboards, you might have noticed that a majority of them are manufactured in China. While these keyboards often provide great value and quality, it’s understandable if you’re searching for alternatives that are produced in different countries.
Fortunately, there are several mechanical keyboards that are not made in China, offering you high-quality options to choose from. In this article, we’ll be discussing some of these non-China-made keyboards, highlighting their unique features and examining the manufacturers behind their production.
As you explore these mechanical keyboards, you’ll discover that there’s a diverse selection of products that cater to different preferences, key switch types, and designs. Let’s dive in and find out more about the world of mechanical keyboards that originate from outside of China.
Reasons for Avoiding Made in China Keyboards
There are several reasons why you might prefer a mechanical keyboard not made in China. Some of these reasons are related to quality control and overall build quality, and others can reflect your personal values or preferences. Let’s explore a few of these reasons.
Quality control is one of the primary advantages of choosing a keyboard made outside of China. Brands that specialize in producing keyboards outside of China often have stricter quality control measures in place, ensuring that their keyboards are of a higher quality than those produced in China. This can result in longer-lasting, more reliable keyboards that better fit your needs.
Another reason you might prefer a non-Chinese keyboard is that the materials used in construction might be of better quality. Mechanical keyboards often rely on key switches made by well-known companies such as Cherry, a German company known for its high-quality mechanical switches. Some keyboard manufacturers outside of China use Cherry switches or similar high-quality components, ensuring a premium experience.
You may also have personal, ethical, or political reasons for avoiding products made in China. These can include concerns about labor practices, environmental impact, or economic principles. Choosing a keyboard that is not made in China allows you to align your purchase with your values, which can be an important factor for many people.
Lastly, supporting local or regional manufacturing can be a key reason to consider a keyboard not made in China. This not only benefits the local economy but can also help to promote innovation and the development of the mechanical keyboard industry in other parts of the world.
Popular Non Chinese Keyboard Brands
In this section, we will explore some popular mechanical keyboards that are not made in China. Let’s dive into the details of various models from Leopold, Filco, WASD, and Varmilo.
Leopold Keyboards
Leopold is a South Korean company known for its high-quality mechanical keyboards. They manufacture their products in Taiwan, making them a great option if you’re looking for keyboards not made in China. Their keyboards are highly customizable, featuring various key switch options, keycap materials, and colors.
Some popular Leopold keyboards include:
- Leopold FC660M PD: A compact 65% layout with PBT keycaps and Cherry MX switches.
- Leopold FC980M: A sleek 98-key keyboard with the traditional numeric keypad but a compact form factor.
Filco Keyboards
Filco is a Japanese brand renowned for its durable and high-quality mechanical keyboards, manufactured in Taiwan. They offer a range of keyboards, from compact models to full-sized variants. Filco keyboards come with different switch options and keycap sets, allowing you to personalize your typing experience.
Some prominent Filco keyboards are:
- Filco Majestouch 2: A full-sized, 104-key keyboard with Cherry MX switches and N-key rollover.
- Filco Minila Air: A wireless, 67-key model with Bluetooth connectivity and Cherry MX switches.
WASD Keyboards
WASD Keyboards is a US-based company that offers custom-made mechanical keyboards, keycaps, and accessories. Their products are assembled in the United States, ensuring they are not made in China. WASD Keyboards’ products are highly customizable, with various switch options, keycap materials, and designs to choose from.
Some popular WASD Keyboards offerings:
- WASD Code V3: A customizable 104-key, tenkeyless or 61-key keyboard with Cherry MX switches.
- WASD V3 custom mechanical keyboard: A fully customizable keyboard, from the switch options to the keycap colors and printing.
Varmilo Keyboards
Varmilo is a Taiwan-based company known for their stylish and high-quality mechanical keyboards. While some components of their keyboards might be sourced from China, the overall assembly takes place in Taiwan. They offer various sizes, switch options, and custom keycap designs to cater to your specific preferences.
Top Varmilo Keyboard models:
- Varmilo VA87M: A popular tenkeyless (TKL) layout keyboard with a variety of keycap designs and switch types available.
- Varmilo VA68M: A compact 65% layout keyboard with high-quality PBT keycaps and various switch options.
Topre Realforce Keyboards
Topre is a Japanese company that specializes in capacitive keyboard switches. Their Realforce keyboards are known for their unique typing experience, combining the tactile feedback of mechanical switches with the smoothness of rubber dome switches. Topre keyboards are manufactured in Japan, making them a great option for those looking for keyboards not made in China.
Some popular Topre Realforce keyboards include:
Topre Realforce R2: A full-sized keyboard with Topre’s proprietary electrostatic capacitive switches and PBT keycaps. Topre Realforce 87U: A tenkeyless keyboard with the same Topre switches and keycaps as the R2. Topre Realforce RGB: A full-sized keyboard with RGB backlighting and Topre switches.
Keychron Keyboards
Keychron is a company that specializes in wireless mechanical keyboards. Their products are designed in Taiwan and manufactured in China, but they are still a great option for those looking for high-quality keyboards. Keychron keyboards offer a range of layouts and switch options, making them customizable to your preferences.
Some popular Keychron keyboards include:
Keychron K6: A compact 65% layout keyboard with hot-swappable switch sockets and Bluetooth connectivity.
Keychron K8: A tenkeyless keyboard with RGB backlighting and a wide variety of switch options, including Gateron, Kailh, and Cherry MX.
Keychron K2: A compact 75% layout keyboard with a built-in battery and a choice of Gateron or Kailh switches.
Vortexgear Pok3r
Another great mechanical keyboard not made in China is the Vortexgear Pok3r. This compact 60% keyboard is known for its minimalist design, durable construction, and customizable features. Unlike many mechanical keyboards that are manufactured in China, the Vortexgear Pok3r is made in Taiwan, a country known for its high-quality manufacturing and attention to detail.
The Vortexgear Pok3r features a range of customization options, including various switch options, keycap materials, and backlighting settings. It also has a programmable layer that allows you to customize the keyboard layout and assign macros to specific keys. The keyboard is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, making it a versatile choice for anyone in need of a compact mechanical keyboard.
Are there any mechanical keyboards made in the USA?
Yes, there are a few mechanical keyboards made in the USA. While most mechanical keyboards are manufactured in China, there are still some options for those looking for non Chinese keyboard brands. In this section, we will explore some of the best mechanical keyboards made in the USA.
Unicomp Mechanical Keyboards
Unicomp is a company based in Kentucky that specializes in manufacturing keyboards. They own the machinery used to produce IBM’s legendary Model M keyboards, offering durable and reliable products. Unicomp keyboards are made in the USA and are known for their excellent build quality and performance. They offer a range of keyboards, from full-sized models to compact variants, with various switch options and keycap designs.
Das Keyboard Mechanical Keyboards
Das Keyboard is a company that designs and manufactures mechanical keyboards in the USA. Their products are known for their sleek and minimalist design, with no visible branding or markings on the keycaps. Das Keyboard offers a range of keyboards, from full-sized models to tenkeyless variants, with various switch options and keycap materials.
Matias Mechanical Keyboards
Matias is a Canadian company that designs and manufactures mechanical keyboards in the USA. Their products are known for their tactile feedback and quiet operation, with switches that are similar to the Alps switches used in vintage keyboards. Matias offers a range of keyboards, from full-sized models to compact variants, with various switch options and keycap designs.
Which Popular Keyboards are Made in China
As you explore the landscape of mechanical keyboards, it’s important to understand the origins of different brands and models. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at some popular keyboards and whether they’re made in China.
Are Logitech Keyboards Made in China
Logitech, a well-known brand in the computer peripherals market, does manufacture some of their keyboards in China. However, they also have manufacturing facilities in other countries such as Switzerland and the United States. So, when considering a Logitech keyboard, it’s essential to check the specific model’s manufacturing location to determine if it was made in China or not.
Where Are Ducky Keyboards Made
Ducky, a popular brand among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, is actually based in Taiwan. They take pride in their Taiwanese manufacturing and boast high-quality products. So, you can rest assured that Ducky keyboards are not made in China, but rather in their home country of Taiwan.
Are Razer Keyboards Made in China
Razer, another popular brand in the gaming peripherals market, does have some of their keyboards manufactured in China. However, like Logitech, Razer also utilizes other manufacturing facilities across the world. It’s always a good idea to research a specific Razer keyboard model to learn more about its manufacturing origins.
As you continue your search for the perfect mechanical keyboard, keep in mind the manufacturing location and its potential impact on the overall quality and performance of the product. Each brand and model offers unique features, so take your time in choosing the best one that suits your needs.
Where to Buy Non-Chinese Mechanical Keyboards
If you’re looking to buy a mechanical keyboard not made in China, you have several options to explore. Given the popularity and demand for such keyboards, many manufacturers have started producing them in other countries.
One option is the Japanese company Filco, which manufactures its keyboards in Taiwan. These high-quality keyboards are known for their excellent build and performance. You can find Filco keyboards on their official website or online marketplaces like Amazon.
If you prefer a keyboard made in the USA, Unicomp, a company based in Kentucky, is a great alternative. They own the machinery used to produce IBM’s legendary Model M keyboards, offering durable and reliable products. You can buy Unicomp keyboards directly from their website www.pckeyboard.com.
For those who want a custom mechanical keyboard, Keychron provides QMK custom mechanical keyboards compatible with both macOS and Windows systems. Their keyboards come with various layout options, some even featuring a knob for added functionality. Browse the Keychron collection on their website www.keychron.com.
Another place to discover non-Chinese mechanical keyboards is on online forums like Reddit. The /r/MechanicalKeyboards subreddit often features discussions and recommendations for keyboards made in other countries, as well as build services to assemble the components for you.
Summary
In this article, you’ve explored various mechanical keyboards that are not made in China. While the majority of electronics today are manufactured in China, there are still a few notable companies producing high-quality mechanical keyboards elsewhere.
Some popular models include the Filco Majestouch 2, a high-quality keyboard with Cherry MX switches made in Taiwan. Another great option is the Leopold FC660M, a compact keyboard also featuring Cherry MX switches and made in Taiwan, backed by a Korean company.
For a unique typing experience, the Topre Realforce keyboards with Topre switches are worth considering, as they are a hybrid mechanical switch made in Japan. Additionally, Unicomp, an American company based in Kentucky, produces keyboards reminiscent of the classic IBM Model M keyboard.
As you consider your options for mechanical keyboards not made in China, remember to research and compare features such as build quality, design, switches, and keycaps. Finding the perfect keyboard for your needs may require exploring products from multiple manufacturers and understanding the performance and feel provided by different switch types.
